Abstract: The disclosure provides a product/service portfolio investment calculation methodology based on an application life cycle. The present invention defines an application life cycle with a plurality of phases, and provides a mechanism to define a location within the application life cycle improving product and service investment decisions. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention maps the application life cycle with respect to telecommunications and datacommunications products and services.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a product/service portfolio investment calculation methodology based on an application life cycle. The present invention defines an application life cycle with a plurality of phases, and provides a mechanism to define a location within the application life cycle improving product and service investment decisions. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention maps the application life cycle with respect to telecommunications and datacommunications products and services.

Abstract: A method and system for providing tandem protection in a communication system. Path protection is provided using at least two redundant communication paths and selecting the communication having higher signal quality. Interface protection is provided through a protection transceiver thus implementing M:N equipment protection and 1+1 optical protection.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a communications device for use in a communications network. The communications device includes a plurality of interface ports, each of the interface ports receiving a first signal in a first format. A processor is coupled to the interface ports and receives the first signals. The processor provisions an overhead byte associated with one of the first signals and multiplexes the first signals to generate a multiplexed signal. A framer receives the multiplexed signal and the provisioned overhead byte and places the multiplexed signal in a second format to provide a second signal for transmission on the communications network.

Abstract: A service channel modem is adapted to determine optical properties of an optical fiber link connecting two nodes. The optical service channel (OSC) communicates an optical reference parameter over the fiber link. An optical parameter of the OSC transmitted over the fiber link is measured. By recovering the optical reference parameter from the OSC and using the measured optical parameter, certain optical properties may be determined including link loss, multi-path interference, and chromatic dispersion. When measuring chromatic dispersion, one of the fiber links serves as a synchronization reference and the other is the link being measured.

Abstract: A receiver node includes an optical amplifier optically coupled to the input of a receiving device such as a PIN photodiode. A controller inputs received power level values from the receiver to perform gain control. The input signal of an optical receiving device is pre-amplified by an optical amplifier such that the amplified signal is within a dynamic range of the receiving device. Upon the occurrence of a LOS (loss of signal) event, the controller sets the gain to a Home Gain value. Thus, when the signal is reestablished, a strong signal will not be over amplified and damage the receiver. Gain control is reestablished when the LOS event is over. Various methods are used to declare LOS including comparing the received power level or commanded pump power against a threshold. The LOS declaration may also be received from an external device or service channel.

Abstract: A receiver node includes an optical amplifier optically coupled to the input of a receiving device such as a PIN photodiode. A controller inputs received power level values from the receiver to perform gain control. The input signal of an optical receiving device, is pre-amplified by an optical amplifier such that the amplified signal is within a dynamic range of the receiving device. Upon the occurrence of a LOS (loss of signal) event, the controller sets the gain to a Home Gain value. Thus, when the signal is reestablished, a strong signal will not be over amplified and damage the receiver. Gain control is reestablished when the LOS event is over. Various methods are used to declare LOS including comparing the received power level or commanded pump power against a threshold. The LOS declaration may also be received from an external device or service channel.